Part 11: March 1979
Part 11 summary: As Broots' plan is set in motion, Miss Parker searches for what happened to her on March 1979.
Tuesday
Miss Parker's residence
Blue Cove, DelawareFull circle. I can't get that annoying 80's song out of my head. "Full circle..." - as if there was someone I loved. My brain and heart have been going through a roller coaster of emotions recently. The only lesson that I have learnt is that things have a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you; nothing changes, except on a turn for the worst. All of Boy Wonder's words (lies, I have to remind myself they were lies) meant nothing. And now, I'm back where it all began.
Ironic, isn't? Just last week I was sitting in this couch, drinking from this same bottle, feeling this horrible pain in my chest. I'm half expecting Sydney to walk in through the front door any second now. But, he won't come. Lyle's keeping him to busy tracking down Jarod. Broots told me they think he's in Chicago. The psycho leaves this morning with his goons to search the windy city.
I entertain the idea that Lyle freezes to death or that the plane crashes as it lands on O'hare. Many of my problems would be solved that way. I can't believe Daddy has pushed me aside for him. For that back-stabbing, thumbless Raines-stein! Everything was fine until he showed up. Daddy trusted me, he knew I was his Angel. Now, it's all complicated.
Something tells me that he suspects me. Does he know about Jarod and me last weekend? Were sweepers following me? I can't afford to have Daddy doubt me. He's the only thing I have. The only thing I've ever had since Mom... died.
The visit to the Rockwells reminded me of before Mom died. I remember how she used to call me "Marisa" with such sweetness. Daddy never liked the name. I don't know why. I think he wanted to call me something else. He always called me "Angel" and didn't let anyone call me "Marisa." Just Mom did. And after she died, no one called me by my first name really. It was too painful. Only Jarod calls me that now.
Jarod. Where are you? I have a feeling he will be calling soon. And not from Chicago.
I hope for Debbie's sake that Lyle doesn't figure out that Broots faked those "leads" on Jarod. We needed to get Lyle out of the office to find out what he is up to.
The "newly improved" Broots has given me a lot to think about. What happened? I am gone for a couple of days and he gets a spine! I hate to admit it, but he even seems less unattractive...
Broots and me? Heh heh. Puppet and master? Huh, I guess I have had too much to drink. Before I know it, I will be swooning over Boy Wonder's declaration of love.
I haven't told anyone he's in Europe. If he's going to be brought in, it will be by me. Only that way can I assure my glorious return to a position in the Centre chain of command. Maybe even cash in all my frequent flyer miles and leave for once and for all. Rest assured, this exile in Oz will end soon. If it's the last thing I do, I'm bringing him in.
Reaching around my neck I feel the locket Jarod sent to me last week. Broots dropped it off last night. I don't remember my mother having this locket. Perhaps she kept it hidden since "Ben" gave it to her. I wonder if Daddy knew about it. I guess I'll find out soon if Daddy knows about Ben.
Broots' plan is risky, but I think it'll work. But, I do have a backup. In my line of work, you always need a backup. Otherwise, you die. Daddy taught me that.
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Broots' home
Blue Cove, DelawareBroots nervously looked at himself in the mirror. Today was the day. He still couldn't believe he had convinced Miss P. and May Li to go for it. And that Lyle bought that fake lead in Chicago. If the weather report was right, he will be stuck in Chicago for days. Enough time for him and May Li to crack down the encrypted files. And enough time for Miss P. to take care of her business.
She had been vague about what she was after. Something about March 1979. To get every single DSA he could find in Mr. Raines' possession from that time. As well as medical records related to her. He remembered her eyes as she told him not to play any DSA, just to give them to her right after he found them. She had been so nervous. Well, as nervous as Miss Parker ever got. There was also some desperation as she clutched the locket he gave her. He could also smell the alcohol on her breath.
He wondered, and not for the first time, what they had done to her. It was not normal for someone to grow up to be such a, what is it that the people at the Centre Annex called her?, witch? Not that wasn't the right word. Such a sad, miserable human being.
Of course, he really liked her. A bit too much at times. Yet, he knew his crush was only a crush. Nothing more. He had a bad habit of always developing a crush on the bad ones. Like his ex-wife. Like Miss P. And now, May Li. Well, she was a beautiful, capable woman. But then again, she was a Yakuza assassin too. Probably not the best person for him. Nor for Debbie.
"Daddy?" Debbie sneaked up behind him. He turned around to find his daughter holding her stuffed tiger in the doorway.
"Honey, what are you doing up? It's 4 am! Are you okay?"
"I had a bad dream, Daddy."
"Oh, sweetie. Here, let me tuck you in." He lead Debbie back to her room and helped her get into her bed. Broots sat next to her and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"Tell Daddy what you dreamt and I promise you, I'll protect you. Was it another dream about... Mommie?"
"No. I dreamt about Miss Parker."
"Miss Parker?"
"Yes. In my dream, she was really scared and there was a man following her. He wanted to kill her, Daddy."
"But, sweetie, it was only a dream. No one will hurt Miss Parker." Other than Miss Parker herself, Broots thought. But Debbie was too young to understand.
"You'll protect her? Like you protect me? After all, you are a secret agent, Daddy," Debbie murmured as she was falling asleep, "Tell me again, Dad. How you are going to protect me."
Broots laughed. Debbie was referring to his Cal Tech nickname. Over the years, it had become an inside joke between them. Funny thing is that he used that line with her mother and it had worked. That's how she agreed to go out with him on that first date. Now, Debbie loved to hear him tell her so when she was afraid.
"You have nothing to worry, Miss."
He got up and did a spin, raising his hands as if they were guns, "I'm Broots, James Broots."
"Mr. James Broots is at your majesty's secret service."
Debbie laughed and clapped her hands. She loved her dad's act. Broots sat back down and planted another kiss on her forehead.
"Let Mr. Broots take care of you. And now, go to sleep Princess."
"I love you, Mr. Broots."
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Jesuit Guest Quarters
Rome, ItalyThe phone's ringing woke him up. He had left his cell phone inside his bags. After all, a Jesuit priest coming in from Chiapas, Mexico, should not have a cell phone handy. And he had forgotten to check the messages when he returned. Sister Mary Joseph had given him a lot to think about. Perhaps he was going about this all wrong. A man couldn't function alone all his life. But the person he most wanted to trust was very far away. Yet, he had no time to be morose. He had to answer the phone.
"Yes?"
"Jarod? Where the hell have you been? I have been calling you for hours! Didn't you get my message?" It was Maria and she sounded exasperated.
"Sorry, I didn't have time to check my messages. I was busy yesterday."
"Not from yesterday. Although I probably left 10 messages in the last day. I mean from last Sunday. You know, when I spoke to Marisa."
"Marisa?"
"Yes. Marisa. She's the jealous type, no? Anyway, so I told her that I'm on my way and that the files matched..."
"You told her WHAT?"
"Oh, did you not want me to tell her?"
Now, there was an understatement. He had to think fast. Miss Parker was not ready to know about the files, yet. Wait... "Did you say they matched?" Oh, God.
"Yes, with the last file."
"The last file?"
"Yep, am I speaking Spanish here? The last one is the donor. Interesting, really. It seems that only two of the eight have the gene in both chromosomes, which would tell you that they are apt to be the perfect donors for the project. But they haven't used sperm from the male. They want to make clones of her. So, the babies have a mother, but no father. I think that is where the fault was. Our cloning technology was not improved until recently. Thus, Dr. Raines reopens the project now that we can clone her. I guess they want to start with her because of the double gene, although the other set of twins could work too."
"Sets of twins?"
"Yes, you knew that, didn't you? Four pairs of twins. Fraternal, of course. It was a bit hard to tell at first, but they are all twins."
"Who is the twin of seven?"
"Three, why?"
"Timmy."
"You know these people? What haven't you told me, Jarod?"
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The Centre
Blue Cove, DelawareWhy did this seem so familiar? Broots was slowly making his way down the corridor in Renewal Wing. He just hoped that he didn't get trapped inside a desk. By now, he could write the insider guide to Centre nooks and crannies.
He slowly opened Mr. Raines office. His exploration last Spring looking for the DSA showing Miss Parker's birth had taught him where the oxygen-dependent freak kept his secrets. This time, though, he had to look for a specific one. March 1979. Miss Parker should have been a teenager then. What was this all about?
Well, James Broots to the rescue. Innocuous nerd by day, secret agent by night. But why didn't this act have the same effect on his nerves as it did on Debbie's?
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Miss Parker's residence
Blue Cove, Delaware"What?"
"Nice to hear you are back to your old self, Miss Parker."
"Jarod. I knew you would call. What cryptic message do you have for me today?"
"Miss Parker, listen to me carefully. Do not try to find out what happened on March 1979 by yourself. You could be in danger."
"You got to be kidding. Are you on drugs or something? Who do you think you are to tell me what to do? What you think because you got lucky you can dictate advise? That I will fawn over you at the sound of your voice?"
"Look, stop the defenses for a second. I am only trying to help you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the experiments. I was going to tell you once I knew for certain it was your ova."
"I don't believe you. Cut the act. You are only trying to use me. Thought that if I slept with you, I wouldn't shoot you next time? That I would stop trying to catch you? You might be a good fuck, but you are not God."
"What are you so afraid of, Marisa? That there might be some feelings inside that stone you call a heart? Are you scared to admit how you feel about me? Afraid Daddy will be disappointed that instead of bringing me in, you and I made love? Or is it that you are afraid to make a choice? Scared to make the wrong choice?"
"Like my mother? She chose to help you, and look what it got her. Don't worry. I have made my choice. And it does not include you."
"Then who was that woman who asked me to make love to her? You know the one who said she needed me to hold her while she cried?"
"That woman does not exist, Jarod. You and your lies made her up."
"I don't believe you. And I know you don't believe yourself either."
"Such over confidence. It will be your downfall someday."
"And yours will be your lack of trust."
"Fuck you."
"Miss Parker, Marisa, let's stop fighting for a second, please. We can solve our problems later, okay? I called you because I am worried about you. Obviously you are not listening. Just remember one thing, don't try to stop them by yourself. Your value to the Centre has recently diminished greatly. I don't want you to put yourself in a position that could cause you harm. Please. Be careful... I don't want to lose you. I love you."
"Fuck you again." The line went dead.
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Jesuit Guest Quarters
Rome, Italy"That didn't go well, did it?" Sister Mary Joseph asked with concern. She had walked in while he was on the phone with Marisa.
"No, not at all. She won't listen to me."
"Perhaps she will listen to a higher power."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, if you are so afraid she will get in trouble in the United States, why don't you ensure that she is not there?"
"What do you have in mind?"
"More like whom. Sister Maria Teresa."
"You have a devious mind, Sister."
"And you don't?"
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The Centre
Blue Cove, DelawareIf I live through this, I promise to look into early retirement. At least for Debbie's sake. Although I often wonder if there is a Centre retirement plan. At least one that occurs above ground.
How did I end up with this job? Oh, yeah. I needed the money. Perhaps I should have applied to graduate school. Even that hell is probably better than the Centre.
Most of my classmates from Cal Tech probably have better jobs. Not as much money, but they sleep at night. I can't see any of them crawling on a vent, afraid that some wrestling reject might crack their skull open for going through the personal files of an oxygen-lugging freak show. Where did all that come from? I think I have been hanging out with Miss P. too long. Before long, I'll be calling Jarod "Boy Wonder."
But, she'll be happy. Well, happiness is a more subtle emotion for her. More like she won't be unhappy, with me. I got the DSA she wanted and some of the medical files. I hope the right ones. I'm never going into Mr. Raines office if I can avoid it.
If this is not good enough, she can crawl in the vent. That, I chuckle, would be quite a site.
As if she would do such a thing. And, what is her problem recently? I mean other than her father is never there for her, her brother is a psycho, Sydney is always trying to over analyze everything, and her only childhood friends are an emphatic but quiet guy and Jarod? But there is more. There is that sadness about her. It's getting worst.
Sometimes I wonder if it is because she grew up without her mother. And I guess I'm afraid Debbie will end up like her. Debbie already idolizes her.
She's good to Debbie, but not necessarily good for her. I mean, I'm grateful she took care of her and protected her when I was in danger. But I think Miss P. projected some of that uneasiness to her.
But, I have to focus on where I am. Let's see if I take this tunnel over here, it should take me to Miss P's office. I think.
Oh, oh, I hear voices from one of the vents. And it sounds like Lyle.
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Mr. Lyle's Office
The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware"Is the jet ready? Good, I'll be on my way." Mr. Lyle puts the phone down momentarily and glances at Brigitte, sitting across from him.
"Is he dead?"
"Yes, luvie. Nothing remained. When they put out the fire, they couldn't even find the right ashes."
"Good. Did anyone see you?"
"No. No one knows this."
"Good, then no one will know about this either," Lyle mutters as he takes out a gun. Before she can react, he fires. A look of shock and betrayal registers on her face, but it's too late. Brigitte's dead body falls to the ground.
Lyle picks up the phone again, "Get a cleaner crew in here, ASAP. Make sure the stain comes out of my carpet."
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Miss Parker's former office
The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware"Nice of you to pop in, Broots," May Li says quietly as Broots emerges from the vent. She's been waiting for him in Miss Parker's office to continue the decoding.
He's unusually agitated. And immediately starts rambling in short gasps, "Oh, my God. Oh, MY God. He's a psycho! He's crazy! I can't believe it. He just shot her. Like that. No apologies. No pink slip. Just a shot to the chest." He nervously walks up and down the office, occasionally grabbing the furniture and leaning on it.
"What are you talking about?" May Li asks very confused.
"Lyle, the sick bastard! He just killed Brigitte. In his office. Took out a gun and shot her. I saw it. I have never seen anything so, so sick!"
"You saw it? All of it? You saw him shot her?" She suddenly gets an exited look and stands up. She nears Broots and looks him in the eye. Carefully enunciating every word, she asks, "Did you see it?"
"Eh? Yes, didn't you hear me the first time? He killed her! I mean I didn't particularly like her. Especially that whole 'Mr. Broots' routine she was trying to pull at first. But no one deserves to be shot at! He was planning to kill her after she returned from Maine. Leave no witnesses. The man is deranged. Who is to say he is not going to kill us to?"
"But you saw this? You were a witness to this?" She's getting closer and makes eye contact. Broots suddenly feels a chill in the air.
"Yes, what is with you? A woman was just shot by that supposed husband of yours, and your only thought is to ask if I saw every detail? What are you some kind of sadist? Enjoy witnessing tortures and killings?"
May Li's face goes through a series of emotions. First she's confused. Her eyes don't register what he is saying. Then she's shocked and agitated. He would think such a thing of her! And suddenly, her training kicks in and she steps back. A long breath calms her down as she looks away.
A few seconds pass. Broots doesn't have a clue as to what is going on inside her head. But he's not as agitated as before. Her momentary withdrawal eases the tension inside him. Lyle's not here. He's on his way to Chicago. It registers on his consciousness. All's okay. For now.
Time seems to slow down.
As he looks at her profile, he wonders who this woman really is. Then, she looks at him again and says, "No. I don't enjoy killing nor torture."
He knows it is the end of that conversation.
"Let's get back to the code. I have been working on it since yesterday. We don't have much time before everyone arrives. What kept you this morning? I saw your car pull up earlier," she asks all business-like.
"Nothing. I needed to take care of some paperwork."
She doesn't believe him. She knows Parker and him are up to something. She also knows Broots had to be somewhere in Renewal Wing in order to see the shooting. But, as long as it does not interfere with her mission, it doesn't matter. For now.
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Mr. Parker's office
The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware"Angel, what are you doing here? Aren't you expected at the Annex?" Mr. Parker says disapprovingly as he notices his daughter's presence in his office. He's glancing at some papers on his desk that seem to be more important than her being there.
"Yes, Daddy, but I came to tell you something important," Miss Parker tries to make eye contact, but realizes she needs to get closer.
"Couldn't you send a memo?"
"No, Daddy," She nears the desk and grabs on to it. Maybe this way he'll notice her.
"Well, what is it, Angel. I'm busy here."
She extends her torso and whispers into his ear, "It's about Lyle and the Yakuza."
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Jesuit Guest Quarters
Rome, ItalyJarod is at work. His small room (previously austere and bare) is filled with a collection of baked goods, Pez dispensers and anything with a high sugar content that Sister Mary Joseph has been able to find in Roman grocery stores. She's sitting in the corner, watching him, transfixed.
"The Lord works in mysterious ways," she murmurs to herself. She's enjoying this project a bit too much since "Father" Jarod is the only person she has met in a long time that is actually interesting. She's not sure what to make of this whole "Centre pretender" story, but it's better than driving around with stuck up Bishops all day.
If Father Mallory told her to work with Father Jarod, she will do so. Even if it turns out that Father Jarod is an impostor, or pretender, or whatever he is. But why does he need to consume so much food?
Well, the food seems to be helping. He's coming up with a package for Marisa. The poor girl is probably not going to like it. But, it'll make her come to Rome.
Problem is, what to do with her once she is here. Sister Mary Joseph knows her part, but what about Jarod? He loves her; and who can possible be rational and predictable when in love? Or worse, when betrayed by those one loves?
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Mr. Parker's office
The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware"You know, Daddy?" I ask in terror. How could he know? What is going on here? I sit in the chair by his desk. I need something to drink, fast.
"About Lyle and the Yakuza? Of course, Angel. Do you think I was going to believe that wench is going to birth my grandchild? I might be old, but I am still fast, Angel."
"Then why play along, Daddy?"
"Because the only way to know what the cat is up to is to let it in! Don't worry, Angel, the situation is under control. You just go to the Annex and let Daddy take care of it all."
He gets up from his desk, expecting me to do so as well. I guess the meeting is over, but he hasn't said anything. He hasn't even listened to much of what I said. It can't end like this.
"Daddy?"
"Angel, I'm busy. Please."
"But, Daddy, there is something else. It's about mom. About her friend," I try to say that last word as quietly as I can. The walls at the Centre have ears.
He looks at me and pauses. He opens his mouth and closes it. I feel as if he is going to let something slip. For a second, he is confused. Then his eyes rest on me. I think he's looking at my face, but I realize he's staring at the locket. Ben's gift to mom. He knows about the necklace. He gets this panicked look and then catches himself before it's too late.
"Ben Miller? I thought he was dead," he is pretending this is not important. What is it?
Just now I realize what's wrong. It's the locket; Jarod sent it. And most likely it originally came from Daddy's safe. He broke into it. I have made a mistake. A fatal mistake.
But, did he just say "dead"? Did he put Lyle up to this?
Suddenly I'm afraid. I don't know why. I am not afraid something will happen to me, but I am afraid of what I might learn. I don't want to know. I don't want to know. But that voice inside me pushes on.
"Yes, he is." I mutter slowly.
"Well, then what is the problem?" He wants me to leave. He wants me to leave this alone. I can't. I need to know. I owe this to her. To me. I need the truth.
The truth will set you free.
"Is he...? Are you...?" Somehow this seemed so much easier when I rehearsed in my half-drunken state this morning. What am I asking? Am I insane?
Daddy looks at me in shock. He knows what I am asking. He never thought I would ever question such a thing. I never thought I would question such a thing. I'm caught. Jarod has once again caused me to lose my father's trust. But, this time, he needs to answer me.
"What lies has Jarod been feeding you, Angel? What ever he said, it's not true." He's desperate. He didn't expect this to happen. All our conversations are usually so calculated. I have broken away from the script. This is all new to him, to me.
"Daddy, please, answer me. Are you my father?"
"Marisa!" He has never called me that. He approaches me and grabs my arms. Painfully he shakes me. He's enraged. He has never hit me. I'm afraid, he will.
"How can you doubt me? How can you doubt your mother?" His voice is hurt. He looks into my eyes. He's showing so much emotion. I don't know this man. This is less like my father and more like that man who broke down last year, on my mother's death anniversary. This is, ironically, the man I wanted as a father. Not the violent part, but the emotional part.
"Daddy," I answer in tears, I too am shaken and emotive, "Daddy, I... I'm afraid. I'm afraid you don't love me." This is not me. Not Miss Parker. But Marisa, the little frightened girl, I keep locked up inside. Daddy, Daddy, love me, LOVE ME! My being screams inside.
He stops and stares at the tears in my eyes, knowing the desperation there.
"Daddy, I love you. You are all I have," I hear myself saying.
"Marisa," he says and stops shacking me. His hands move away from my shoulders and hug me. I hug him too.
"Angel, you must believe me. You must trust me. I would never do anything to hurt my little girl. Jarod is trying to turn you away from me, from the truth."
"I'm sorry, Daddy. I'm sorry I doubted you," I hug him tighter. I don't remember the last time he hugged me.
"Listen to me carefully. Jarod is not to be trusted. All those lies he tells you are only lies. I can't believe you would doubt that you are my daughter. It's an insult to your mother's memory."
"I'm sorry, Daddy." Daddy, Daddy, love me. Please, love me. Please say you do.
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Sydney's office
The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware"Something's wrong with her, Sydney. I know it."
"Something is always wrong, Broots. Miss Parker has a lot on her mind right now."
"But this is more than usual. I gave her some information she needed after he meeting with Mr. Parker. She was a mess. It looked like she had been crying! Miss P. crying! And I heard Mr. Parker canceled all his meetings. Something is wrong. I know it."
"Broots, stop worrying about Miss Parker. She'll come around. I'm sure of it."
"I don't know, Sydney. You didn't see her. After I gave her the info, she just stared at me and I thought she was about to trash the.. stuff. But she just put it in her briefcase and left. Not a word. I mean, I wasn't expecting a thanks or anything. But she didn't even say any of her usual remarks."
"Broots, if you are so concerned, you could try her at home?"
"Yeah, and lose my life? I don't think so."
"Oh, Broots, you want me to call her?"
"Ah, yes, Sydney. Will you? You did last time."
"Will it make you go away?"
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Miss Parker's residence
Blue Cove, DelawareI have no idea how I got here. Last thing I remember was seeing Broots in the hallway outside of my father's office. It's all a whirl. I guess I must have gotten in my car and gone home. How long have I been here?
No way of knowing. I'm on the couch. My usual spot! But I don't think I have drunk anything. Yet. However, I feel as if I have. Too much. Too quick. Too painful.
It hurts here, inside my chest. And it's not the acid reflux. It's my heart.
It's been broken too many times. I don't think it can be repaired.
Daddy didn't say it. He did tell me to go home and rest. I'm on extended leave. But not off the hook. He said he'll come by later in the week to settle this. He knows Jarod gave me the locket. But he doesn't know about me and Jarod.
How can I make this all go away? I want Daddy to trust me, again. I want him to love me. Please.
And then, the phone rings. Boy Wonder? I don't want to talk. No more fights. No more appeals to my good nature. No more lies. I just let the machine answer.
Sydney's voice plays in my living room. "Miss Parker? Broots is worried about you. Are you all right? The Annex said you didn't come back after lunch. Is all well? Do you need me to stop by?"
He hangs up. His concern is unwelcome. Broots put him up to this. Broots? Broots! He gave me something.
I rummage through my briefcase and find the manila envelope. I first see the files. They make no sense really. Bunch of numbers, names, dates from 1979 to 1985, codes, a place called the DNA Research Group in Seattle, NuGenesis. All those names are of women. I have no idea what this is. There is a DSA. Should I play it?
Half dazed, I get up and grab the DSA player I took from the Centre weeks ago. I put in the disk.
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DSA
March 1979
For Centre Use OnlyMr. Parker and Mr. Raines are discussing something in the Centre infirmary.
"You can't control her," Mr. Raines says.
"She's young. I'll talk to her."
"It's a bit late for talks. She's pregnant. The Centre doctor just confirmed it."
"What? Did... did you test the baby? She'll probably want to keep it, though. Like Catherine."
"The baby is not to be born. We are not ready. We have something else in mind. A way to ensure she can be controlled."
"No. You can't; she won't be a prisoner of the Centre. We agreed that Catherine would be able to keep the girl. You owe it to her."
"Catherine is dead. But don't worry, we won't take her. Instead, we'll just ensure she can't have children."
"How? I think she's too old for a chastity belt."
"I had something else more... radical in mind. Don't worry, she will never know a thing about it."
"As long as you promise she won't be harmed."
"She won't. But you have to learn to control her. We can't have her run off wild. She's too important."
"I hate to remind you of this, but she is my daughter and I'm in charge here. I know how important she is to the Centre. She'll be controlled."
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Miss Parker's residence
Blue Cove, DelawareThe screen goes blank and I once again sit in the couch. More tears appear in my eyes, but I am not sobbing. I'm too confused to scream.
I have to believe Daddy is only trying to protect me. He's my father. He loves me. I know he does. He must. He didn't want Raines to lock me up. He agreed to this because there was no other choice.
He loves me. He loves me. I repeat over and over. He loves me, I finally scream at the top of my lungs.
But I am not sure. I am not sure anymore.
There is only one way to know for sure. I have to bring Jarod in. That way I'll prove my loyalty. And Daddy will be proud. Yes, he will. And then, then I can make Jarod tell me the truth. I have to bring Boy Wonder in. He's the key to all this.
My mind is almost maniacal. I feel euphoric. My plan will work!
But first I have to find him. He's in Europe. But where? I can't tell Broots about this. But I need to find him. So, who can help me?
Who can I go to? Someone who won't be able to tell?
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end of part 11
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sneak preview of part 12: Miss Parker pin points where Jarod is. Broots uncovers more of Lyle's plans.